After a long primary season, America finally has its pick for President. Whether you supported Senator Bernie Sanders or you agreed with former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s politics, there’s no denying the excitement surrounding the election. With voting day just around the corner, it’s time to reflect on the candidates and their supporters. One of the most interesting trends to emerge from the primaries is how Trump has managed to appeal to a wide cross-section of Americans. Despite winning the presidency with a plurality of the popular vote, it appears that Trump will not represent the Republican Party as they have traditionally known it. Here’s a closer look at the Trump phenomenon and his chances of becoming the next president of the United States.
The Rise Of The “Teflon Don”
For much of this year, Trump’s poll numbers were in a slump. The real estate magnate had alienated much of the GOP electorate with his insulting words and behavior. While some had hoped that his campaign would falter, Trump has defied the experts and political calculus. Even after months of negative press and bruising primary battles, Trump’s support among Republican voters only appears to be increasing.
What accounts for Trump’s political resilience? It’s simple — he’s tapped into a vein of anger and resentment in the American electorate that dates back to the Great Recession. Trump has touted his business acumen as the reason why he is the right man for the job. Yet the question remains: Will his populist campaign convince voters that he is best equipped to guide the country out of its economic doldrums?
How The 2016 Election Will Change American Politics
The fact that Trump has been able to capture the imagination of so many Americans shows how far our political system has strayed from the ideology of “one nation under God”. Trump is the ultimate outsider, a billionaire who has never held public office. For many Americans, this election represents a chance to express their frustration with politics as usual. But what exactly will changing our politics look like?
While Trump may not fit the mold of a traditional politician, his campaign has certainly brought some new faces into the political arena. Thanks to the internet, smaller political parties are no longer reliant on wealthy donors for their success. With less than a week to go until the November 8th vote, Trump’s success represents a triumph for online campaigning — and a warning to conventional politicians.
Is Trump’s Voodoo Economics Working?
One of the most interesting aspects of the 2016 election is the contrast in philosophies between Trump and Hillary Clinton. While the former Republican candidate has touted his business acumen as the reason he is the right man for the job, Clinton has advocated government intervention to solve the country’s economic problems. In other words, Trump’s populist campaign and outsider status seem likely to clash with the more conventional brand of politics practiced by Clinton. Of course, it is possible that neither man will be elected in the end. But regardless of the results, this year’s election will be remembered for the incredible amount of political turmoil it has caused.